Wall box



SGP@ 23, 1952 L. D. BERMANN 2,611,501

WALL Box Filed Sept. 8, 1949 INVENTOR. Loa/s 0. 55PM/44W Patented Sept.23, 4.1952 Si j2;611,5o,1 v l Box l Louis D. Hermann,v Ossining", N. Y.f -Application september s, 1949, semina 114,609

This invention relates to wall boxes, such, for example, as medicinecabinets, `inset paper'holders, and especially the utility boxes used tohouse the .electrical switches and connections'of the'wiringsystem of abuilding. if f,

Standard utility boxesfare, primarily adapted for use in new buildingswhere they are installed prior to the putting on of the wall-board,plaster, or other interior surface; and the mounting of the utility boxin such instances is a comparatively simple procedure. When, however, autility box is to be installed in an existing building, the procedure isfraught with diiculty because of the necessity of cutting in the wall ahole which is at once small enough to be covered by a standard coverplate or other unsightly covering and at the same time large enough toleave room for the utility box to be effectively secured in place. As apractical matter, the rst of these considerations is a limiting factoron the second, and, as a. result, the installation of utility boxes inexisting buildings must be done in cramped quarters for which the box isin no way adapted.

Various proposals for simplifying the installation of utility boxes inexisting buildings have been brought forward, but these have beenprimarily directed to the solution of specific problems in specic typesof walls so that each of them has had only a limited field of use. This,and the consequent necessity of a retailer stocking numerous types ofboxes or none, has had a decided deterrent eiect on the stocking ofanything but the standard utility box. Similar considerations apply toother types of wall boxes.

With the foregoing and other considerations in view, the presentinvention contemplates theA provision of a wall box which can beinstalled with the utmost ease in a space behind a rela.- tively narrowopening and which can be rmly, effectively and permanently secured inplace by a simple operation.

The invention accordingly comprises an article of manufacture possessingthe features, properties, and the relation of elements which will beexemplified in the articles hereinafter described and the scope oftheapplication of which will be indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a utility box embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a top view thereof;

aclaims; (o1. gcc4-3.5) Y

.Figs.- 4.,and,j5 are, respectively, a perspective: view of one oftheexpansion screws beforeassembly, and a side view thereof in the form inwhich it exists after assembly.

In the particular form of construction exemplified, theutility box is ofstandard construction, Acomprising a bottom wall il,` sidewalls IIJ andI I, a top wall I2, and a rear wall I3, the walls being releasablysecured together, as by screws I4, to permit assembly as a single box oras a plural box of the gang assembly type. These walls may be composedof suitable stiff material such as sheet metal.

In each of the side walls I0 and II there are provided threaded bores inwhich expansion screws I5 are screwed. The screws I5 in the presentinstance are formed at their outer ends with a recess I6 which, asexemplied, is annular and outside of which is a flange Il. The recessesI6 are adapted to receive the rims I8 of holes I9 in clamping plates 2Dand 2|, respectively. In assembly, the flanges Il may be formed, as byhammering down the ends of screws such as shown in Fig. 5 afterinsertion in the holes.

While the invention in its broader aspects contemplates the provision ofany desired number of screws on each side of the box, in its morespecific aspects the invention contemplates the highly advantageous useof a multiplicity of three, four, or more screws on each side to give afirm holding action, while at the same time permitting the box to befitted square with the wall even though its opening is out at an angle.

It is to be noted that the screws are formed with polygonal (square inthe present instance) heads 22 so that they can be tightened by pliersor a wrench, if desired. They are also formed with screw slots 23 foroperation by a short or bent screw driver, a coin, or other screwingdevice.

In operation, the screws being in an inward position in which they holdthe plates 20 and 2| close to their respective sides I0 and I I, theutility box is inserted into the wall opening-which may be exceptionallynarrow, roughly formed, irregular, or slanted. The screws are thenturned, each a sufficient amount to thrust a portion of its plate 20 or2l outwardly into contact with the plaster, wall board, joist, brick, orother material of which the wall is formed. Whatever the material of thewall and whatever its thickness, the plates will press ilrmly intoclamping engagement with it, and by a simple securing action the utilitybox will be held rmly in place,

without the necessity of the use of metal ears or of any additionalbreaking of an existing wall. They are moreover held releasa-bly inplace, so as to permit easy removal or replacement of the box; or topermit its adjustment outwardly, as when tile or other supplemental wallcovering is applied at a later date.

In its more specific aspects, the invention contemplatesthe provisionofgripping.,members on place so as to provide projections 25 on theirexterior surfaces.

provide a particularly effective grip.

Since certain changes may`v bernadeginl the@ above article and differentembodiments of the .invention could be made Without departing from thescope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in thelabovedescription or shown in the accompanying drawing shall beinterpreted asillustrative and notlin alimitingsensef.

I I claim: 1'.V Aff Wall box y comprising an'V enclosure openl` at oneend surrounded by'- four side'iwalls, rig-id: plates movablydisposed-outsid opposed wallsrof 'f The spikes thus produced willi.. A cut intowood, plaster, or other WalLmaterialto..

said enclosure, and screws expansbly connecting said plates with theirrespective Walls and being threaded in the side wall substantiallyperpendicular thereto and rotatably gripped by the plate.

2. A Wall box comprising an enclosure open at one end surrounded by fourside walls, rigid plates movably disposed outside opposed walls ofsaid.. enclosure.. polygonally-headed screws expansibly connecting saidplates with-theirfrespective walls and being threaded in the side wallsubstantially perpendicular thereto and rotatably gripped by the plate,and gripping projections on the outer surface of said plates.

LOUIS D. BERMANN.

REFERENCES CITED The..fo1lowing references are of record in the leof'this patent:

UNITED STATES .PA'I'EN'TS Stewart: Apn. 6;, 1943.:

